Proud James will think of donor at transplant games

James Hodgson with his mum Rachel at their home in Sandal. (Picture by Simon Hulme.)

Published:15:35Friday 29 July 2016

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A boy from Sandal who overcame serious illness is competing in a special tournament for people who have had transplants.

James Hodgson, 10, had a his liver replaced eight years ago, and will represent the Leeds Children’s Transplant Team at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Liverpool.

“I am really looking forward to taking part in the British Transplant Games and can’t wait to meet other people like myself and to represent Leeds Children’s Transplant Team,” James said.

“I am proud to be there and I will think of my donor and the family.”

James will compete in many sports, including the mini marathon and the 50m sprint – which he has won gold in for the last two years.

During the event, which started yesterday and finishes on Sunday, donor families are invited as guests of honour to present medals.

Participants aged from two to 82 take part in more than 25 different sports including running, swimming, track and field, golf and tennis.

Lynne Holt, from the charity which organised the event, Transplant Sport, said: “Many of our transplant athletes have experienced near death situations and long illness, and it is very gratifying to see them able to enjoy a full life, thanks to organ donation.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming transplant patients alongside donor families to the Games in Liverpool in one big sporting celebration of the gift of life.”

The Games aim to add more than 10,000 new signatures to the organ donor register.